Talk to an Expert

Bhutan: The Dragon Kingdom

10 days & 9 nights,Escorted Discovery Group

Escorted Discovery Group Journeys offer the best of must-see destinations and less-visited, exotic locations: comfortable accommodations and small group sizes with never more than 25 travelers. These journeys offer a great opportunity to discover the world in comfort and camaraderie with like-minded travelers.

The remote Kingdom of Bhutan, with its fascinating cultural heritage and beautiful mountain scenery, was off limits to tourists until 1974. Today, the country continues to preserve its customs and age-old traditions, as revealed in this comprehensive tour which travels through western and central Bhutan visiting the forts, monasteries and markets of the 'Dragon Kingdom'.

Day 1

Arrive Kathmandu

You will be met and taken to your hotel.

Hotel Himalaya - 2 nights

Day 2

Kathmandu

Today you will take a tour encompassing the main highlights of Kathmandu including the many temples and interesting sites of the city. Durbar Square, the religious and social point of the capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to a cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets that date back to between the 12th and 18th centuries. Visit Kumari chowk, the temple of the living goddess 'Kumari' and the Itumbahal courtyard; amongst a number of other temples and shrines. The courtyard is an old Newari settlement and is well known for its traders in herbal spices and medicines. From Durbar Square you will proceed to visit Indra chowk, one of Kathmandu's most colorful local markets. Finish the tour with a walk to Ason chowk and the Annapurna temple, dedicated to the goddess of grains.

Pashupatinath is the most important Hindu temple in Nepal and one of the most important Shiva temples in the Subcontinent. The area is alive with color and activity. While non-Hindus are not permitted to enter the main temple, it is possible to visit a vantage point from where there are good views of the temple and the ghats. Continue to Bodhnath, the largest stupa in Nepal and the religious center for Nepal's considerable population of Tibetans.

Hotel Himalaya (B)

Day 3

Fly to Paro - Thimphu

You will be collected at your hotel and taken to the airport.

Drive from Paro airport to Thimphu, a distance of 40 miles and journey time of approximately 2 hours.

Today's sightseeing includes a visit to the arts and crafts school (more commonly known as the painting school), the institute of traditional medicine, a traditional papermaking factory, the textile museum, the museum of folk heritage and the national library. All visits are subject to opening times.

Note: The National Library is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. The Folk Heritage Museum and the Textile Museum are closed for public holidays and have restricted viewing hours over the weekend. The Arts & Crafts school is closed on Sundays and public holidays, and has restricted viewing hours on Saturdays.

Hotel Kisa - 2 Nights (B, L, D)

Day 4

Thimphu

Your sightseeing will include a visit to National Memorial Chorten: The building of this chorten was originally the idea of Bhutan's third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck ('the father of modern Bhutan'), who wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity, but was unable to give shape to his idea in his lifetime due to pressures of state. After the king's untimely death in 1972, the royal family and cabinet resolved to fulfil his wishes and erect a memorial that would perpetuate his memory and serve as a monument to peace. The National Memorial Chorten was consecrated on July 28, 1974. The finely executed wall paintings and delicately fashioned statues within the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Next, you will visit Tashichho Dzong, the 'fortress of the glorious religion'. This was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashichho Dzong houses some ministries, His Majesty's secretariat, and the central monk body. It is open to visitors during the Thimphu Tsechu (a festival held in autumn) and while the monk body is resident in its winter quarters in Punakha.

The last stop of the afternoon will be to some handicraft shops where a wide assortment of colorful, hand-woven textiles and other craft products are available for purchase at the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and many smaller craft shops around the town.

The Folk Heritage Museum and the Textile Museum are closed for public holidays and have restricted viewing hours over the weekend.

Dine with a local Bhutanese family who will prepare local delicacies and exchange views on Bhutan's unique cultural and traditional values.

Hotel Kisa (B, L, D)

Day 5

To Punakha

Drive from Thimphu to Punakha, a journey of 48 miles and approximately 3.5 hours. On a clear day, you can see the highest peaks in Bhutan.

Visit a Bhutanese farmhouse, which are very colorful, decorative and traditionally built with mud and stones, and with all houses following the same architectural pattern.

Meri Puensum - 2 Nights (B, L, D)

Day 6

Punakha

Punakha dzong or Pungtang Dechen Photrang dzong (meaning 'the palace of great happiness or bliss') is located strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. It was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region. Damaged over the centuries by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the dzong has been fully restored in recent years and is particularly inviting when the colors of the jacaranda trees surrounding it blossom during spring. The Punakha dzong is famous for housing a temple where the sacred remains of the Terton Pema Lingpa (a saint in Tibetan Buddhism) and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (a Tibetan Buddhist lama) are preserved.

Meet and interact with Buddhist monks at this monastic college while enjoying fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.

Meri Puensum (B, L, D)

Day 7

To Paro

Drive from Punakha to Paro, a distance of 77 miles and journey time of approximately 5 hours.

Ta Dzong was originally the watchtower of Paro Dzong and was renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum of Bhutan. Today, it has more than 3,000 works of art, covering more than 1,500 years of Bhutan's cultural heritage. The seven-storey structure, with 8-feet-thick walls, is carefully divided into several galleries and the visitor is required to walk in a specific clockwise route that goes up and then down the building.

The Ta Dzong is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Prepare local Bhutanese delicacies such as the fiery 'Emma Datshi' made with red chillies and cheese and heavily seasoned. The class is held in a local restaurant with a team of chefs helping you prepare the food while explaining the history and development of the cuisine.

The Village Lodge - 2 Nights (B, L, D)

Day 8

Paro

Hike up to the Taktshang monastery (Tiger's Nest), a trip of around 5 hours. En route enjoy stunning views of the monastery, where it is believed Guru Padmasambava landed on the back of a tiger in the eighth century and meditated for three months. The monastery was built on this sacred site in 1684. A good level of fitness is needed for this excursion, walking sticks are provided and there is a tea-house rest stop en route that offers good views of the monastery.

Today you will take a tour of Paro's dzong, known as Rinpung dzong. On a knoll that rises in a sheer climb from the river, Rinpung dzong has a commanding view of the Paro valley and is a true testament to Bhutanese architecture. Centuries ago it was an impregnable fortress that repulsed successive invasions from Tibet and has since also survived the 1897 earthquake. Today it houses the Paro monastic body and the office of dzongda (district commissioner) and the thrimpon (district judge). A guided walk around the many quarters and chambers offers an insight into the traditions and secrets of this impressive dzong.

TRAVEL TIPS

Road Travel

In the Indian Subcontinent, there are completely different customs when it comes to road use and road craft, and all manner of vehicles, people and animals can be found moving about, even on the main roads. To most visitors, road journeys in the Indian Subcontinent can seem quite startling at first; however, all Cox & Kings drivers are very experienced and in tune with other road users, allowing you to relax and absorb the extraordinary sights and sounds en route.

For Escorted Groups, Cox & Kings uses air-conditioned buses of an appropriate size for the number of people traveling, while on Private Journeys, Cox & Kings uses mid-size cars with an option to upgrade to luxury segment vehicles, available on request. They all feature air-conditioning and our drivers are experienced. Please refer to page 51 for further details.

Important Note: Road conditions in the Indian Subcontinent change throughout the year, due to monsoon rains and extreme weather patterns and journey times can vary enormously at all times of the year which is beyond the control of Cox & Kings.

Flights

Air travel in the Indian Subcontinent is more affordable now. There are full service brands that operate domestic and international flights and then there are low cost airlines that have gained popularity due to low cost airfares being offered.

Flight Delays & Insurance: Due to increase in air traffic, government restrictions and changing weather conditions, flight delays have become more commonplace. Domestic flights in India can incur last minute schedule changes, delays, over flying, and / or cancellation without prior notice. November through January, fog can also create delays in Northern India airports, causing flight postponement or cancellation.

Flight delays can cause problems with onward connections, hotel and holiday arrangements. Although the airline will sometimes make arrangements to get you to your next destination at no extra cost, costs may be involved for you, in the form of additional accommodation, transfers and onward tickets. Unfortunately, since most services are paid for in advance, any services missed due to delays are non-refundable. Please note many international flight tickets are restricted and nonrefundable. Therefore, Cox & Kings requires that you are insured against such eventualities, and recommends traveling with a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy from your point of origin.

Early Starts: A number of flights within the Indian Subcontinent arrive / depart early in the morning and, while we will endeavor to schedule your tour with a flight which arrives / departs at a reasonable time, sometimes there is little or no alternative and early check-in / check-out times may be required.

Special Requests: Cox & Kings will endeavor to request any specific meals or services, on the condition that we are told at the time of booking. Specific seat requests with most major airlines can now only be requested if traveling in one of the premium classes. We are able to request general seating preferences for Economy Class passengers. However, all special requests are at the discretion of the airline and cannot be guaranteed.

Travel within the Indian Subcontinent is an adventure at every moment. We will endeavor to keep all clients apprised of any changes and or alterations to the program due to flight arrival or departure re-scheduling or other situations that may occur throughout your travel.

Important Note: Airlines and train schedules and fares are subject to last minute change. In the event that any amendment or cancellation arises or increase in fare, Cox & Kings cannot be held liable for the same.

Accommodation

The Indian Subcontinent has made an indelible mark in the area of hospitality. The distinctive features of these hotels are high standard and quality accommodation and service along with contemporary facilities at par with world standards. The availability of hotels in the Subcontinent ranges from Deluxe, Luxury, First Class and Budget to Heritage and Boutique.

Accommodation standards vary dramatically throughout the Subcontinent and in general cannot be compared to the West. In larger cities such as Delhi and Mumbai, the hotels we use are fully modernized with excellent facilities, while in other cities and towns the hotels are smaller but still offer good facilities. In the desert cities of Rajasthan, areas of Southern India and small hill towns, many hotels we use are small, privately owned properties or converted palaces, retaining much of their original ambience, but the room size, shape and design can vary enormously (even in the same price bracket). On certain circuits in Rajasthan, enjoy the experience of staying at one of the marvelous Heritage hotels – once the residence of Maharajas. Although palace hotels often have simple facilities and service can be slow, we ask for your patience as this is more than compensated for by their atmosphere and charm.

Check-in & Check-out Times: Most hotels work on a check-in of 1400 hours and check-out of 1200 hours. If a flight arrives in the morning, you may be taken for breakfast or sightseeing before check-in. We will endeavor to get your room as early as possible in these instances.

Game Parks & Remote Areas: Even when you travel off the beaten track with Cox & Kings,you can be sure that your accommodation in game lodges, smaller hotels and tented camps is the best available. Sometimes the best hotel may be the only hotel, which may be very modest. In these cases we feel that the simplicity of such accommodation is outweighed by the experience. Game park accommodation cannot be compared to that available in parts of Africa and is often reached down narrow and makeshift roads.

Meals: Meals included in the tour program are indicated in the itineraries at the end of each day with codes: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L) and Dinner (D).

Maps: Type of travel is indicated in the maps at the beginning of each itinerary with symbols:
Road Travel (), Train Travel (),Air Travel (), Day Excursion ( ).

Extensions

Cox & Kings is happy to arrange for you to extend your stay in the Indian Subcontinent. We have suggested possible extension options for the tours in this brochure, however we would also be delighted to design a custom extension, either pre or post tour, to fit in with your particular interests. Please note that tour extensions are operated on the same basis as Private Journeys.

Walking

Many of the sites in the Indian Subcontinent necessitate a reasonable amount of walking, either to the site or around it. Whilst the walking is normally easy going, a full-day’s sightseeing can be quite tiring and sometimes strenuous. In addition, at ancient monuments there are many steep sections and uneven surfaces. A reasonable amount of fitness is required.

Region Details

The welcoming Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan may just be the world’s last Shangri-La. With its traditional culture and lifestyle still largely intact, this mountain land offers stunning Himalayan scenery, sacred temples, colorful festivals and a rich collection of wildlife including snow leopards, blue sheep and nearly 800 species of birds.

What To See
Visit the Memorial Chorten and the National Library in Thimphu. Discover the fortified dzongs and temples of Punakha. Learn more about this vibrant culture by arranging a visit to a local home for some tea and conversation. Soak up the alpine scenery in the gorgeous Phobjikha Valley. Outside Paro, hike to the Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s holiest monastery, for incredible views.

Culturally rich and naturally beautiful – Nepal offers a variety of spectacular sights. Wherever one travels here it is nearly always against a backdrop of towering peaks. Eight of the ten highest mountains in the world can be found here in this colorful, friendly land. Experience the rugged mountain scenery of the Himalayas, explore ancient cities and search for the mythical yeti on your journey through Nepal.

What To See
Travel to Everest Base Camp to experience the thrill of the highest peak in the world. Stroll through Durbar Square in Kathmandu the home of Nepal’s living goddess. See the temple of Boudhnath, home to 10,000 Tibetan refugees. Visit the medieval town of Bhaktapur. And be sure to spend some time in the air on a fixed-wing or helicopter sightseeing flight, viewing the glorious mountains from a different perspective.